Only children are happier - whoops!

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Read in the paper on the weekend about an extensive UK study of families that indicates that only children are happier than those with siblings.


Well, all I can say is that my kids are STUFFED!  My apologies kids - study came out a bit late for us.

Comments

Karen said…
I think one reason only children are happier is because they don't have to share their stuff with siblings. I wish I had a dollar for the number of times that I hear "He/she took my....." (insert name of any random object here). The thought of not having to sort out those arguments is also very appealing from a parent's perspective....
But to watch siblings when they are all getting on together is immensely rewarding.
December 3, 2010 at 9:53 AM
Gordon Cheng said…
What Karen said, and it also reminded me about why happiness is such a poor thing to aim for, not only for Christians but for humanity in general. If the finding is true and broadly applicable (big if!), the pursuit of happiness, especially on our children's behalf, apparently means the extinction of the species!
December 3, 2010 at 6:48 PM
Sandra said…
when we were 2 children down the other week the remaining child told me that she didn't like being an only child as we paid her far too much attention.
December 4, 2010 at 8:10 AM
Simone R. said…
A child can't fight without siblings but she/he can still whinge. I don't like whinging. It makes me less happy. Studies show that couples without kids are the happiest of all. So why have even one?
December 4, 2010 at 10:32 AM
Jenny said…
Someone at work told me about the couples with no kids study - I don't think it would take a survey to tell us that DINKS are the happiest - esp. if happiness is measured by being able to do whatever you like whenever you like.
December 4, 2010 at 12:01 PM
Deb L said…
Really? You guys must be miserable! I am an only child and I'm not always that happy so imagine what you lot must be feeling. Oh, hang on. I've got three kids.....
December 4, 2010 at 2:43 PM
michael and karen said…
I read that study too and has the same reaction - sorry boys! It's too late! Coincidentally, last week I saw a friend who has one son and conversation turned to how many children we have (because she thinks I have too many, I suspect!) she said, 'oh, I couldn't have any more, because then "son's name" would have to share' !! I think school next year will be a rude shock for him!
December 7, 2010 at 12:50 PM
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